It's That Time Again (The Underground, especially Masters)

[Anastasia Rade]

"I know and use a wide variety of force abilities but yes healing has been a focus of mine as of late. As a solider I do know many of the offensive abilities. I am interested in building upon what I do already know and at the same time furthering my studies. I know force blinding and have been training more with it so electric judgment is of interest. I'm also definitely interested in the different elements. I have not tried anything yet but have been doing research."

Taking a deep breath the young woman took a sip of her drink. She wasn't used to being the center of attention so his was different for her. Ana was nervous but was doing the best to remain cool, calm and collect. She could easily answer questions about herself.

[member="Mia Monroe"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

VOTES: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] - Abstain
[member="Aaralyn Gyndar"] - Yes
[member="Kitt Solo"] - Yes


[member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Kian Karr"]

Rade's answers backed up her combat record, or maybe it was the other way around, and Jorus found himself nodding. "Preparation, working toward goals, caution -- good. Balancing combat and healing abilities -- that's good too." He shifted in his seat, thinking. "Let me toss a hypothetical at you. If you could have any one ability, anything at all, Dark or Light, what would it be and why?"

 

[Anastasia Rade]

The question posed to her was a simple one in which the answer came right away to her. She had read about battle mediation and what affect it had in battle. Her research took her to tales of a Jedi whom had used it in battle as well as Sith whom had used it as well. “Battle Meditation, if I could have any ability it would be that. I could keep wars shorter and bring more Vode back home safely to their families.” Sith had been taking power as of recent and it showed no signs of letting up anytime soon. Even though she had been much younger at the time Ana would never forget the look in Az’s eyes as his own father was slang right in front of them or the funeral which followed. If there had been something that she could have done than she would have. As she grew stronger there was more that she could do and wanted to do.

[member="Jorus Merrill"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Kian Karr"] [member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Jericho]

Finally completing his mission for the night he made his way to coordinates sent by [member="Jorus Merrill"]. In the time it took to make his way over, Jericho read up on the candidate for master rank, [member="Anastasia Rade"]. She was experienced that was for sure but after thoroughly, he thought of questions to ask but knew none to ask. In truth he felt unready to judge someone for such a rank due to his own lack of experience with his padawans. They either became one with the force in death or became corrupt and became a sith. Judging from her experiences alone she was skilled, indeed but there was a chance she could fall. He placed his hand on his chin and thought to himself for a moment. The warrior was a man of action not of words mostly due to his heritage. As a lorrdian, it was necessary to communicate through body language he was so fluent in the language that he could even tell one's personality through their actions.

Reaching the location he walk into the cantina and looked around, his robes torn and his armor reeking of rancor saliva and blood. He knew no one here aside from Jorus and Anastasia, only knowing her from the debrief. He looked at the woman from head to toe, analyzing her person as he made his way over to them. He patted Jorus on the shoulder as a gesture of friendship then giving a quick nod of respect to everyone involved in this. After doing so he adjusted his mas and faced over to her his dark eyes locked with hers as he listened to her speak. Her answers thus far left him interested in what she wanted to do but overall unimpressed, though she seemed the same age as he, her voice filled with naivete and narrow-mind. Still, he knew nothing about her. She may of said those things out of interest but may just wanted to impress some of the other masters. He wanted to see who she truly was, he wanted to see how she reacts to changing environments, and if she was strong enough to hold a title of master.

"No." The warrior said calmly to her. "Unless proven to me otherwise." It was her choice whether or not she wanted to do such a thing as thus far the others seemed to see her potential, her skill and experience. He took a seat next to Jorus and ordered a drink.


[member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Kian Karr"] [member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Jericho"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Kian Karr"]

"All right," said Jorus, sliding out of the booth, "looks like it's time for the practical exam, then. Kian, we'll reroute your transmission to an emitter in the next cargo bay over. If any of you need anything from your rooms or ships -- lightsabres, remotes, anything like that -- now's the time to get'em. And if any of you've got a little blood alcohol going on, now's the time to use Force Sober Up. Let's reconvene in ten, Docking Bay Four."

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Ana took a deep breath as she listened to [member="Jericho"] tell her no. The young woman had been told no a thousand times within her life. There had even been those whom doubted that she would ever recover from the trauma of the slave pits. Ana had proved them wrong time and time again. Sure she wasn't perfect and still had night terrors, flashbacks and the like from time to time but Ana had learned to handle it. She was more than happy to show what she was capable of doing with the force.

Pulling a few credits out she placed them under her cup before scooting out of her chair. She wished to go speak to Orick but knew it was best to wait till after. They could have dinner later and catch up later. She knew he would want to know it all and have her back either way.

After giving a slight bow to the masters out of respect she excused herself to go prepare and freshen up. Ana wasn't nervous, she just needed to get her game face on. Ana had been trained in combat both using the Force and without it. Showing her stuff was not something she was unaccustomed to.

Once she had gotten freshened up she waited at Docking bay 4 for the practical exam. Ana had gotten there a few minutes early as she hadn't wanted to keep the masters waiting.

[member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Kian Karr"] [member="Jorus Merrill"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

VOTES: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] - Abstain
[member="Aaralyn Gyndar"] - Yes
[member="Kitt Solo"] - Yes


[member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Kian Karr"]

Apart from a couple of crates and such, the docking bay was empty, its ceiling tall enough that just about anything Force-related was an option. "Sorry that took a while," said Jorus, coming in late. "Got caught up with my daughter. She's...well, growing up in the most irritating way possible. So, Anastasia -- show us what you can do." Anyone who spent as much time living with the Force as a Master was supposed to had unique ways to train or demonstrate. Thus, he left it ambiguous. "If you'd like to spar with someone, I'm sure that can be arranged."

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Ana had known this was coming, a demonstration of what she was capable of doing. It had been what she had been taking a deep breath and waiting for. This was not unlike the times she was forced to dance in front of Sith Lords and show what she could do. She had always refused to cooperate and that was probably part of the reason she didn't give big demonstrations. She preferred one on one hands on training with students. This would be different and she wouldn't be able to show all she had but a sampling worked for this.

Pulling from her bag she set on the ground a little plant and a set of hand cuffs. No, they were not going to get 50 shades of gray in here it was for show and tell. She had a few ideas up her sleeves on how to to make it more entertaining than just showing what she could do as she felt they may be able to pull off similar feats. "These hand cuffs," she began as picked them up and showed everyone "are simple everyday ones that the Graug slave camps used. Easy to break out just by using your strength but there are other ways." As Ana blabbered on about the cuffs she had put them on herself. It had been a while since she had been in these, a long while. Cuffs would gather attention though, right? "That's not subtle though so I taught myself the beginning of how to manipulate objects. Shape things to the way I want them to be." As Ana yet again had been blabbing on a lot so she just showed them what she did.

She wasn't looking to impress anyone with what she could do instead just showing what she was capable of and how she had grown within the force. That was what she was supposed to do anyway. "I can transfer the living force to work not only on patients but weapons and plants as well. I brought the plant because it is easier to see it in action." Plants too could be manipulated and made into traps or whatever she pleased really. They already knew that though, they were masters and she had talked enough for the moment.

Kneeling down Ana placed her hands around the base of the little flower that she had. It was still a bud for the moment but right before their eyes in blossomed into a beautiful purple flower. It was just a small showing of what she could do. The home she kept on Mandalore was a testament to what she was able to do. Looking up half smiled at the group. "Animal friendship is something too I have perfected over the years. If someone does want to see more I can always show my fighting skills with a partner." Ana emphasized on the friendship part, she would never be cruel to them.

Ana could blab on and show more but she knew that all of the masters were busy with their own lives. She didn't didn't wish to take up more time than needed. She had no clue on how this whole process worked.

[member="Jorus Merrill"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Jericho]

Jericho looked around for a moment and then stood foreword, walked to the blonde woman and looked down to her. It was he that questioned her ability, he was the one that wanted to see her skills first hand, so it would be him to test it. He continued to look her in the eyes before taking ten steps away for her and with a nod of his head wanted her to commence what she knew and to face him.

[member="Anastasia Rade"]

Spoiler

(sorry for such a short post, better post next time promise!)

 

[Anastasia Rade]

It wasn't long until [member="Jericho"] whom had originally stated that he wanted to see her skills stepped up to the challenge. She was quite eager to prove him wrong. Win or lose Ana would show him all that she had to offer with the Force.

She had been in many fights before just like this, a test of skills. It was a regular thing on Mandalore someone was always fighting someone to see whom was better. It always ended lightheartedly with drinks. She would in those fights use both non-force powers and force powers. Here she wished to showcase what she had in the way of the force so her laser darts and other toys were out of question.

Nodding to her opponent Ana put on her helmet as she called her silver saber to her hand from her belt. She wouldn't fight against her Vode with it but that didn't mean she didn't practice. Ana always liked being prepared.

The silver blade lightly hummed as she turned it on and took a few steps towards her trying to read him. In something like this, she didn't enjoy making the first move but she wanted to show him a little of what she could do. What Jericho didn't know was that for a few months she had done some training with the witches. Az thought that taking her to Dathomir would help his little sister out. While it wasn't where she wanted to be and soon got homesick she had been taught a few spells.

Quietly she called upon the mist which slowly began to engulf the area around them which would make it more difficult to see for him and the other masters. It would dissipate soon enough and they would see the aftermath. Instead of taking anymore steps at the moment she would see what he did. Ana could be calculating at times especially when she and her opponent were on the same level.

In the background that little pretty flower that she had grew began to get bigger. Ana had plans for it, later. She had no plans on losing this match.


[member="Jorus Merrill"] [member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Chloe Blake"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Jericho]

Jericho took a long inhale and exhaled slowly, the entireity of his body concealed under his thick jedi robes hiding any telegraphing movements for the moment. As her blade glowed shining a silver brightness, Jericho quickly analyzed her from her head down to her toes. Information about her sprouted in his mind like a computer, as he looked at her. He measured the length of her arms followed by the extension of the her saber then the length of her legs in case she liked to add kicks to he combinations. He measured her type of frame and made the assumption that she was the type of warrior who liked to keep a distance. Though her mandlorian nature might prove otherwise, so he would have to prepare himself for a close and tight fight, if needed.

The warrior's eyes wandered away from her and he memorized the room that they were in and measured the size of the "ring" that they were about to battle in. He was going to discriminate against her in anyway and treat her like he would anyone else in a fight and not underestimate the woman who was standing before him. But this would be a good opportunity to practice his Wind shaping and martial skill. His arms revealed themselves slowly then his fingers laced as they made a let crack before lowering once more. Keeping his movement slow when went into the K'thri stance. An old style that was more focused one speed and successive attacks, he felt the combination of wind shaping and this art would work quite elegantly.

Then a mist covered the room making things more difficult to see, a smart move in attempt to take advantage by doing this, eliminating the sense of natural sight. So Jericho adapted and closed his eyes using to the force to guide him and focused on her signature. Doing this, he didn't even notice the plant that was behind her but he did sense her. Aside from the mist she made no other movement, remaining defensive so she could most likely watch his movements and aim for some sort of counter. He warrior let out a breath though his mask, most fighters he had come against never liked to make the first move in fear of being exploited and taken down quickly. A normal reaction, still, action was much faster than reaction and the aggressive are normally more rewarded.

But that was just philosphy and this test wasn't depend on that. The warrior clenched his fists tightly and wind followed suit; wind began to form with as mini tornado spun fiercely around his forearm. He slightly opened his left eye; he didn't know how it would affect the mist around them but focused on her regardless. He made his move he moved to the left of her at an angle and aimed gusts of air from a maintained distance seeing how she would react to his action.

[member="Anastasia Rade"]

Spoiler

{If I at any time seem unfair or unclear please let me know!)

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Ana was showing off for the moment after all in her mind that really was what this show was about. Jericho wasn't a big bad Sith that she wanted to destroy. Even at that, she couldn't back down from a fight. That wasn't how she was taught even in training. She missed training with her brother but being that he was the Mandalore now Ana couldn't rightfully expect him to have that much free time. She could train on her own as she had been taught and Ana would make him proud she had always looked to him as a father.

She knew how to read her vode without the Force but here, she didn't know what he was thinking or what his fighting style was. It certainly was different than the Sith and she knew all about what they brought to the table. Her eyes had easily adjusted to the fog but that was only because she had practiced. All controls in her helmet had been turned off so she could just rely on the force. Her attention stayed placed on him as he closed his eyes.

As his eyes opened back up she watched almost a mini tornado form around his arm which she realized was wind shaping in action. She had always thought the elements were interesting and she had played around with fire spells and than Pyro getting burned a good many of times. If he was going to play with wind, she may need to play with fire.

The gusts of winds flew towards her dispersing the fog as it did so which helped Ana see which direction it was coming from and better prepare somewhat. Putting her hands up as it came towards her Ana stumbled back a few steps but regained herself enough to push the wind to the side. Telekinesis was a basic skill but she had learned that those were the building blocks to everything.

By this point in time the mist was clearing and as it did Ana begun to run towards him her saber up and if she was able to get close enough to him the plan was to strike down on his left side. She had a feeling he would react first before they got that far.


[member="Jericho"]

 

[Veino Garn]

Veino followed them all to the hangar, still neutral on the subject, listening and observing. As an empath, getting to know a being was different, as knowledge of who they were filtered in through a variety of levels. The normal social ones, the unconscious attention to body language, and then almost stepping inside their brains and emotions. Something that had to be done delicately and carefully, if done at all. She'd been through tough times, he could hear and feel that in her history and glimpses of emotional memories.

He had a question formulating in his brain, but he didn't quite have the words for it yet. It could wait until after this practice duel, which was shaping up to be very... interesting. Plants, fog, windshaping. More esoteric skills than he preferred, but everyone had their different styles that worked for them. He scooted away from the area and leaned against the wall to observe, both through the Force and what he could see through the mist.

Anastasia felt .. confidently resolved, the best way he could think of to put it in words, but not unskilled. That would most likely be her Mandalorian heritage. The Jedi in the area would not be fond of that, if they could feel it, but he wasn't entirely sure which order she normally belonged to and what their thoughts on it would be. As a Jensaarai, that confidence and resolve was not a bad thing for them, unless they became obsessive or impaired a member's service to the Jensaarai and to Susefvi. Then they would be have a private talk with someone about it and encouraged to learn humility. But again, Mandalorians did things differently.

 

[Jericho]

He wanted to read her movements, he wanted to see her determination, he wanted to see her strengths, her weakness both in her personality and that physically. He wanted the masters bare witness in not only her skills and her ability but in her and in order to do that, the warrior could not hold back; it would be in fact insulting in he did so. He watched as she elegantly countered a couple of his gusts with her telekinesis, not too bad. He took in a deep breath as the fog began to disappear and she make her move. He did not know what she anticipated, maybe a natural reaction most Jedi would do and take out their sabers to defend or some soft of elegant dodge. No, she was going to sees Jericho way of battle here and now.

He stood firm in his martial stance and watched her movements intently; as Lorrdian his people were force to learn the ways of body language making it their own by expanding the language they were able to depict personalities among other things. Jericho applied this his fight, he studied each of the forms intensely and watch varies people in they own moves in each style. Would she follow the traditional form of saber combat or add her own flavor? He watched her blade then her shoulders movement, he switch feet and took a single step as she closed in and remained closed but sidestepped to the right. He followed this single motion with speedy movement. Enhancing his strength and speed with the force he aimed a combination at her. An uppercut aiming from her stomach while using his elbow to his place her arm doing a hook on him followed by a hard cross aimed for her face ending with a front kick on her hip not really to hurt but to push away and keep a distance.

But that wasn't the end of his barrage of attacks, if she wanted to be a master, he was going to treat her like one. Moving back several feet he sent a flurry of gusts and debris at her seeing how she would act with such relentless attacks.

[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

OOC/ As this thread's been going on for just over one month, I'm requiring a final OOC vote from all who haven't given one yet.

Final votes cast:
Jorus Merrill - Yes
Siobhan Kerrigan - Abstain
Aaralyn Gyndar - Yes
Kitt Solo - Yes

[member="Jericho"], your OOC vote please. I don't want to interrupt your duel.
OOC or IC votes required ASAP from [member="Chloe Blake"], [member="Veino Garn"], [member="Mia Monroe"] and [member="Kian Karr"], unless they've voted and I've missed it.

 

[Chloe Blake]

Ooc: yes.

Icly

Still watching the duel.

 

[Jericho]

Ooc vote yes

 

[Jorus Merrill]

OOC/ Kian has left the faction. Our vote stands at:
Abstain 1
Yes 6
No vote 2
[member="Cira"] or [member="Kana Truden"] or whoever's online - could you pass this up to the RPJs?

 

[Cira]

OOC: Sent up to RPJ's

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

(Master rank approved. Congratulations, [member="Anastasia Rade"]!)